Yorkshire RFU is delighted to introduce our two Constituent Body representatives, who represent the county’s clubs and wider rugby community within the RFU. They provide a strong voice for Yorkshire, ensuring the views, priorities and experiences of our clubs are heard while strengthening communication and collaboration between Yorkshire RFU and the national governing body.
DAVE FRANCIS
I have been a RFU Coach Developer and Trainer for 25 years, and subsequently supported over 1000 age grade coaches gain their coaching qualifications
I am currently on the Game Development Committee and the Education / Age Grade Committee
TONI BIRCH
Toni Birch has been a member of the RFU Council since 2024, representing the 102 Club in Yorkshire at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. She has been actively involved in the community game for over 25 years, beginning as a committee member at Wharfedale Rugby Club, where she served at both Age Grade and Senior levels before progressing to roles within Yorkshire County Rugby Football Union (Yorkshire CB).
At county level, Toni initially served as an Age Grade Representative before taking on the newly created role of Club Development Chair following a strategic review of the county's structure. She held this position for seven years, providing leadership across a range of key areas, including volunteer recruitment and recognition, diversity and inclusion, competitions, referee development, funding and facilities, and RugbySafe.
As an RFU Council member, Toni serves on several committees and advisory groups, including the Nominations Committee, the CB & Community Sub-Committee (covering Clubs in the Community, County Boards of the Future, and CB Funding), Age Grade Governance, the Regional Boards Advisory Group, the Northern Steering Committee for Women and Girls Rugby, and the Inclusive Leadership Development Group.
She also contributes to the development of future leaders through her role as a mentor within the RFU Leadership Academy.
Professionally, Toni has built a successful career in finance and banking. She previously worked as a Portfolio Manager for NatWest Bank and currently serves as a School Finance Officer with North Yorkshire Council.
Toni is married to Phillip and has two adult sons. Rugby has been a central part of family life, with all members of the family having been actively involved in the sport
